NEW YORK — It was obvious, like a small town boy getting off the bus in rush hour Manhattan, that Paul Pierce was visibly uncomfortable with Thursday’s christening as a Brooklyn Net. While team employees and fans cheered the introduction of the three new players at Barclays Center, Pierce sat with a dazed expression.

He was no longer a Boston Celtic. He was handed a white jersey with his name on the back. Pierce stood next to Kevin Garnett, the most familiar face in a sea of strangers as he attempted to overcome his discomfort.